7 Nights Madeira & 7 Nights River Cruise Portugal
Madeira
Your fist vacation begins in Madeira with a 7-night’s stay at the Royal Savoy, a luxurious 5-star hotel located near the centre of Funchal. The room include balcony, coffee/tea maker, direct-dial phone, voicemail, in- room safe, iron/ironing boards, microwave and minibar. Bathrooms include bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer and makeup/shaving mirror. In-room entertainment includes cable television service. Internet connection options: Additional charges are applied for wired high-speed Internet access. Housekeeping services are also available.
Facilities
Dining facilities include a restaurant and a cafeteria. Breakfast is available - a surcharge will apply. The hotel boasts a 24-hour front desk service, manned by multilingual staff. There is also a hair salon, spa/wellness, sauna and steam room, laundry facilities, and porter/bellhop. Local tourist attractions such as Madeira Casino, Barreiros Stadium and Madeira Stadium, Funchal Marina, City Centre and Town Square are not far from the hotel.
About Madeira
Madeira Island is one of Europe's most beautiful travel locations with an Year-round spring climate and mountains soaring from an ocean of deepest blue. Portugal’s “Pearl of the Atlantic” has it all. The island has a network of hiking trails follow more than 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) of narrow stone irrigation channels known as levadas crisscrossing Madeira's mountainous countryside. One of the most scenic is the Levada do Caldeirao Verde, which meanders four miles past leafy glades and plunging ocean views before emerging into a clearing sprinkled by a 300-foot (91 meters) waterfall. Its capital, Funchal is recognised as Garden City due to its great floristic wealth, in symbiosis with the countryside and the city.
Attractions
One of the best tourist attractions is the Teleférico do Funchal, offering a 360 view of the city while climbing the slopes to the top of Monte parish, where you will see the natural beauty of the Madeira, its orography and geology.
Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak of Madeira sitting at an altitude of 1818m. Here you can see from the east end, the tip of São Lourenço, to the Paul da Serra, the mountains of São Vicente and also see the Curral das Freiras, on the valley floor. It is easily accessible by car, and the journey from the centre of Funchal takes about half an hour,
Museum Universo de Memórias – João Carlos Abreu is a beautiful museum building dating back to the end of the 19th century. The museum’s exhibits the donations of João Carlos Nunes Abreu, reflecting his life of traveler, journalist and public person. The heritage covers approximately ten thousand pieces, such as books, ceramic works, paintings and bronze objects of the four corners of the world.
The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water are a must experience located in the village of Porto Moniz. This space, with a surface area of 3800 m², has also a children’s swimming pool, a children’s play area and disabled access. The beach has a car park, changing rooms and bathrooms with lockers for storing personal items, a snack bar, first aid, sun loungers and sunshades for hire.
Boat tours are an excellent way to see dolphins, which are frequently seen on these excursions as well as the occasional whale and sea turtle. You also get the chance to swim in the warm blue waters of the Atlantic. There are many types of boat excursions available at the Funchal marina, so you can choose what you prefer.
Attractions
One of the best tourist attractions is the Teleférico do Funchal, offering a 360 view of the city while climbing the slopes to the top of Monte parish, where you will see the natural beauty of the Madeira, its orography and geology.
Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak of Madeira sitting at an altitude of 1818m. Here you can see from the east end, the tip of São Lourenço, to the Paul da Serra, the mountains of São Vicente and also see the Curral das Freiras, on the valley floor. It is easily accessible by car, and the journey from the centre of Funchal takes about half an hour,
Museum Universo de Memórias – João Carlos Abreu is a beautiful museum building dating back to the end of the 19th century. The museum’s exhibits the donations of João Carlos Nunes Abreu, reflecting his life of traveler, journalist and public person. The heritage covers approximately ten thousand pieces, such as books, ceramic works, paintings and bronze objects of the four corners of the world.
The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water are a must experience located in the village of Porto Moniz. This space, with a surface area of 3800 m², has also a children’s swimming pool, a children’s play area and disabled access. The beach has a car park, changing rooms and bathrooms with lockers for storing personal items, a snack bar, first aid, sun loungers and sunshades for hire.
Boat tours are an excellent way to see dolphins, which are frequently seen on these excursions as well as the occasional whale and sea turtle. You also get the chance to swim in the warm blue waters of the Atlantic. There are many types of boat excursions available at the Funchal marina, so you can choose what you prefer.
River Douro Cruise Portugal to Madeira
The second part of your Voyage is a 7-nights cruise through Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where you will see rambling vineyards cling to the steep riverbanks, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions. The remarkable beauty of the Douro deserves to be shared, explored, experienced and appreciated, from the
comfort of your cabin aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, which has a rich Royal history.The vessel was selected as HM Queen Elizabeth II’s “Royal Barge” as part of the Diamond Jubilee, heading a flotilla of over 1,000 vessels during the Pageant. During its UK service, Spirit of Chartwell was designed in the style of Cote d ;Azur Pullman Express deluxe train, and still carries artefacts from the authentic train, as well as ocean liners, like SS France, RMS Windsor Castle and RMS Kenya Castle.
The finest interior furnishings, impressive amount of space, and the high number of staff per guest ratio, create an elegant, club-like atmosphere for experienced travellers; an environment where every need is predicted and promptly attended to during the calm passage through the majestic Douro River Valley.Full board and drinks served with meals, amazing land excursions, some with meals and wine tasting. The fleet´s executive chefs deliver traditional hearty fare as well as, in keeping with the modern trends, occasionally add eclectic touches to offer guests new options and variety. Each course of your meal is paired with the perfect selection of wines to accent the dining experience. The chef will take each customer to a journey through a world of senses of the most traditional Portuguese’s flavours. Then, of course, there’s the wine. No journey is complete without enjoying this ever-present treat.
Douro’s wine with its rich, intense and very persistent aromas and flavours will take visitors throughout the region’s extraordinary story and tradition, as the oldest officially controlled wine producing zone in the world. During the journey there will be plenty of opportunities to sample a wide variety of the region and country´s labels and the Douro gastronomy experience, complimented by traditional Portuguese entertainers onboard, you will experience an unforgettable journey.
Your cabin comes equipped with aircon, 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite, single beds, en-suite bathrooms, hairdryer, trouser-press, safe and writing desk. There is a piano bar lounge, spacious sun deck with sunshade awnings and WiFi onboard.
Day 1 Vila Nova de Gaia
You will embark aboard the luxurious Spirit of Chartwell in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is located opposite Porto on the River Douro, Portugal. If you are a port lover, this is the only place to go in the country to taste the finest selection, brought here from the upper Douro Valley, to mature in oak barrels. The ship will dock overnight in Vila Nova de Gaia, and once settled in your luxurious spacious cabin, you will be treated to welcome cocktails and dinner in the evening.
Day 2 Porto & Entre-os-Rios
After a sumptuous breakfast, you will go on a land excursion touring the city of Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, and taken to some of the famous wine cellars. Porto is an historical city with narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira district, through to the grand plaza of the Trindade district. Returning for lunch onboard, the ship will set sail for Entre-os-Rios, where it will dock overnight. Entre-os-Rios (UNESCO World Heritage site) is a town located between the Douro and Paiva Rivers. The town is famous for its Terma de Entre-os-Rios (thermal baths spa), located in a park with centenarian trees. You will enjoy a vintage port ceremony and a wonderful dinner onboard in the evening.Day 3 Régua
After breakfast the ship sets sail for Régua, where it will dock overnight. Régua’s development dates back to 1756 with the creation of of the Royal Company of Vine Growers from the Alto Douro region, setting up the world’s first demarked wine production region. Special boats known as barcos rabelos transported the wine to Vila Nova de Gaia. After lunch onboard, you will go on an excursion to Lamego, home to one of the important pilgrimage sites, Nossa Senhhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady Remedies). After lunch back onboard the ship, you can relax before you embark on a fantastic evening excursion for dinner and wine at the Quinta.
Day 4 Barca d’Alva
After breakfast, the ship sets sail for Barca d’Alva where is it will dock overnight. After lunch you will take an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo, built by King Alfonso IX of León in 1209, is a
small fortified village perched on a hilltop surrounded by centuries-old medieval walls, narrow streets and breathtaking views. The most valuable features are the old walls, the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura Palace, the 16th-century pillory, the medieval church, the parish church, the medieval cistern and inscriptions attesting to the existence of a substantial new-Christian community. For over 600 years, Castelo Rodrigo was a town and municipal seat. More than once in the country's history, its residents showed their courage and loyalty to the crown. Back for dinner onboard the ship, you will be entertained with a Portuguese music show.Day 5 Barca d’Alva
The ship will remain for another night in Barca d’Alva. After breakfast, you are off on another exciting excursion, this time to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on sandstone. Salamanca is known as the “living museum”, here you will get to step back in time to the Middle Ages as well as get to see the city’s elegant university, New Cathedral, House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. You will also get to enjoy a traditional flamenco show, Vega de Terron and a wonderful Portuguese cuisine lunch. Back to the ship for dinner, a barbeque is on the menu. Here you can mingle with other guest and talk about the many amazing sights you have seen and the wines you have sampled.Day 6 Régua
After breakfast, the ship sets sail for Régua, during which time you may wish to sit and read a book in the onboard library. After lunch onboard the ship, you are off to Mateus Palace and Gardens, well-known because of the world-famous Mateus Rosé wine. This 18 th century Baroque Palace, built by Antonio Jose Botelho Mourao, 3rd Morgado of Mateus and attributed to Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, is one of the most lavish manor’s in Europe. The palace is decorated with 18 th century furniture, valuable Bargueño desks, Chinese porcelains, and allegorical paintings symbolising the four seasons. There is also a small museum where you can see a copy of a valuable edition of Os Luísadas, masterwork of Camões. This edition was limited to 200 pieces which were offered to different important men and women in Europe at that time. The gardens are incredibly arranged and outlined with green tripe and formal flowerbeds. A tunnel of cedars covers the rising staircase in front of which there is a lake. You will also enjoy a lecture on Portugal Today before returning to the ship to freshen up before dinner.
Day 7 Entre-os-Rios & Vila Nova de Gaia
After breakfast, the ship sets sail for Entre-os-Rios. You will then take an exceptional excursion to Quinta da Aveleda, overlooking 120-acres of vineyards for a great lunch. The Guedes family have been producing wine on this estate since 1870, and are the market leader in the Vinho Verde region, which you will get to sample with wonderful authentic food. The gardens filled with rare species of trees that have been around for over a hundred years, are captivating and full of quirky sculptures. You will get to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Swan Lake, the Four Seasons Fountain and the Manueline style Reboleira window. Then it’s back to the ship to set sail for Vila Nova de Gaia where the ship will dock overnight. You get to enjoy a wonderful dinner and wines onboard, bring your last evening to a wonderful close to an exile rating holiday experience.Day 8 Vila Nova de Gaia
After a fulfilling breakfast you are ready to disembark, ready for your journey home, to share with loved ones and friend’s luxury voyage into Portuguese history, wines and culture.
